Workshop in Kien Giang calls for more active participation in environmental management

Thu, 05 Nov 2009

Photo: IUCN

IUCN is collaborating with Holcim Vietnam Limited (HVL), Institute of Tropical Biology (ITB) in HCMC, and other partners to support improved environmental planning and management in Kien Luong District, Kien Giang Province, where HVL has a large cement quarry and production facility. On October 19-20, 2009 IUCN organized a training course on the use of EIAs and participatory environmental management. Training emphasized the rights of citizens and communities to participate in environmental management and the need for government to ensure that these rights are respected.

The workshop was aimed at staff from government agencies in Kieng Giang, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and HCMC, including the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Environmental Police, Industrial Zone Management Board, Kien Giang Man & Biosphere Reserve Management Board, and district and commune people’s committees. Representatives from the Kien Giang Union for Friendship Organization, National Motherland Front, Women’s Union, Youth Union, and Farmers’ Union also attended. The training included a visit to HVL’s factory in Kien Luong.

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The main recommendation was that local government should consult local people early on in the planning process not after the project has been approved, as is the norm in Vietnam. And communities should be more pro-active in reviewing local development plans and projects proposals. NGOs can play an important role in facilitating this process.